GRANTON Youth is teaming up with National Galleries of Scotland for a brand new creative project for young people aged 12–18
Inspired by American artist and photographer Catherine Opie’s “To Be Seen” exhibition, we’re going to be exploring photography, identity, and creativity!
We’re looking for young people who are into art, photography, making stuff, being creative or just trying something different.
You don’t need to be an expert photographer. You don’t even need to know exactly what you want to make yet!
We’ll be experimenting with:
Portrait photography
What we choose to show / hide about ourselves
Props, clothing & fashion
Shadows & reflections
Creative writing
Identity, belonging & representation
A big group portrait
And loads of space to take things in your own direction
If this sounds like your, or someone you knows thing, DM us or email ryan@grantonyouth.com to get involved!
YMCA Edinburgh recognised at global summit for creating leadership opportunities for young people driving community change
Eleven-year-olds Edie Chaw and Tarek Hydara Estribio are being celebrated by YMCA Edinburgh after showcasing that you don’t have to be an adult to drive real change. Both are residents of Cables Wynd House in Leith and active members of youth-led advocacy groups supported by the charity, and they are leading the charge in helping develop their neighbourhood for the better.
Edie and Tarek are active participants in several of YMCA Edinburgh’s initiatives, including The Cables Wynd House Youth Residents Forum, a youth-led advocacy group where they held consultations with their peers and collaborated with adult residents and Making Rights Real to present a comprehensive housing report to the City of Edinburgh Council. As part of the initiative they were also consulted on public space improvements.
Edie and Tarek are also involved in The Next Generation Youth Forum, a programme focused on empowering the next generation of changemakers. They also work on local green space projects, sustainable food and composting workshops, and creative community awareness programs like climate-themed banner workshops as part of their involvement in the Climate Change Group.
The success of these youth-led initiatives by YMCA Edinburgh was recently recognised on the global stage.
At the 2026 YMCA World Council in Toronto, Mike Kerracher, Chief Executive Officer of YMCA Edinburgh, represented the organisation alongside international leaders and Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs.
Speaking on a panel, the event had 1,400 representatives from over 120 countries, Kerracher showcased how organisations can move beyond merely consulting young people to actively creating genuine opportunities for them to lead.
Now, YMCA Edinburgh is launching a renewed call to create these leadership opportunities locally and nationally, emphasising that youth are ready to drive real community change if given the chance.
Mike Kerracher, CEO of YMCA Edinburgh, said: “Edie and Tarek are fantastic examples of what happens when young people are empowered to take the lead.
“True community change happens when we stop making decisions for young people and start making decisions with them, when we give them a genuine seat at the table and invest in their ideas, they shine.”
Edie Chaw, 11, said: “Sometimes people think only grown-ups know how to fix things, but kids see the neighbourhood differently.
“When you don’t only ask adults, but also ask what kids want, and when everyone actually listens to each other we can come together and combine our ideas to create something everyone wants.”
Tarek Hydara Estribio, 11, added: “Being part of these projects helps me learn how to communicate, work as a team, and socialise with lots of different people.
“It’s given us a real chance to speak up because we just want to be heard, and it feels great to know we’re actually helping to make things better.”
This international recognition follows a highly successful year for YMCA Edinburgh, which supported over 250 individuals across its services. Mentorship remains a cornerstone of the organisation’s success.
Over the last year, 39 dedicated volunteer mentors provided vital one-to-one support to 59 young people. As a result, 98% of participants reported improved access to opportunities and 94% experienced enhanced wellbeing.
Alongside these programmes, the organisation successfully delivered seven weeks of free holiday activities, expanding sports, outdoor learning, and wellbeing support for local families.
YMCA Edinburgh is committed to creating even more opportunities for young people to lead, influence decisions, and shape the future of their communities.
Young people who want to make a difference are encouraged to get in touch to find out more about the Next Generation Youth Forum and other participation opportunities. The organisation is also keen to hear from adults interested in volunteering as mentors, collaborating with young people around meaningful climate action in the local community, or supporting its wider work.
Whether through mentoring, partnership, fundraising, or simply encouraging a young person to get involved, everyone has a role to play in empowering the next generation. To find out more, email admin@ymcaedinburgh.com.
Surveys to explore families’ experiences of smartphones, social media and going online
Families are being invited to share their experiences of using smartphones, social media and the internet through surveys aiming to identify what support they need to stay safe online.
The first survey explores how children and young people use screens, apps and social media, as well as assessing the possible effects on their wellbeing and their confidence in staying safe on the internet.
The second asks parents or carers about their own screen use, how confident they are in supporting their children’s screen use, and what resources they would find helpful, among other questions.
While legislation to manage online safety lies with the UK Government, Scottish Ministers are focused on what more can be done within devolved powers.
The Scottish Government is therefore also conducting a review of more than 140 post-Covid research papers examining the impact of digital media use on the wellbeing of children and young people. The findings from the surveys and the review will be used to deliver new policy to reduce the impact of online harms.
Children and Young People Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Going online and using social media gives young people access to huge amounts of information, which can have positive benefits for their learning and connection to friends, family and the world.
“However, it can also have a harmful impact on their physical and mental health and wellbeing. We also know parents and carers are worried about how long young people spend online, what content they may be viewing and the addictive nature of some apps.
“We will continue to push the UK Government to go further – for example we want to see a Social Media Levy applied to online platforms which can then be reinvested back into our young people. However, we are also focused on what we can do within our powers in Scotland to ensure children and young people are safe and supported in their online lives, as part of a public health approach to online safety.
“To that end, we are seeking the views of as many people as possible, particularly around what support and information they would find most helpful. The surveys are completely anonymous and will help us to inform any public health campaign on this important issue.
“This work comes on top of our action to create phone-free learning environments to ensure pupils can learn free from the disruption associated with mobile phones.”
The Scottish Government has provided funding to organisations supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people, including:
Mind Yer Time, an online hub on digital wellbeing designed by children and young people from the Children’s Parliament and the Scottish Youth Parliament
the AyeFeel online hub and award-winning ‘This is How AyeFeel’ podcast, delivered by Young Scot in collaboration with children and young people.
Parent Club provides advice for parents and carers on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their children and families, including on how to manage screen time and ensure children have a healthy balance of screen-based activities and offline play and exercise.
ALMOST FIFTY KNIFE INCIDENTS IN EDINBURGH SCHOOLS IN FIVE YEARS
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has today urged the SNP government to step up efforts to tackle youth knife crime as she revealed that there have been almost 50 such crimes in Edinburgh schools since 2021.
New figures uncovered by the party show that since 2021 there have been:
37 crimes of possession of an article with a blade or point in Edinburgh schools.
10 crimes of these articles being used in some other kind of criminal activity in Edinburgh schools.
Scottish Liberal Democrats previously revealed that the police have recorded almost 700 crimes of possessing an article with a blade or point in schools across Scotland over the last five years.
Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said:“Each one of these crimes will have been hugely distressing for the staff and pupils involved.
“These figures do not sit in isolation, and we need to understand the part played by events like the pandemic, which had a severe and longer-lasting impact on young people.
“That impact hasn’t been helped by the Scottish Government’s failure to recognise the importance of interventions like youth work.
“Youth work can stop this kind of violence from happening in the first place by offering young people valuable support and guidance, often from someone who is neither a parent nor a teacher.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats will fight for a proper investment in youth work so that we can give young people the choices and the futures they deserve.”
Want to be part of something that makes a real difference?
We’re on the lookout for passionate volunteers who want to make a positive impact in their community and work with amazing young people.
As a Scran volunteer, you’ll be part of a welcoming, supportive family that’s committed to creating opportunities, empowering young people, and making a difference together.
Expert officers share top tips to keep young travellers safe this summer holiday season as criminals approach young people to smuggle drugs
Young people heading abroad this summer are being warned not to risk their futures by being lured into accepting a ‘free holiday’.
Criminal gangs are using popular social media platforms to groom young people into smuggling cannabis into the UK.
Ahead of the peak summer holiday season, Border Force has shared its top 5 tips to avoid being ensnared by smugglers.
Seduced by the offer of free luxury holidays, business class flights and easy spending money, too many young Brits are falling into the trap of organised crime.
The number of cannabis smugglers caught arriving in the UK by plane has surged from 142 in 2023 to 976 in 2025.
And 2026 is on track to be even worse, with 600 air passenger couriers arrested at UK airports in the first 6 months alone – with men aged 18 to 37 travelling from Thailand making up the largest group of those arrested.
Criminal networks are specifically targeting school and university leavers, first-time travellers and those tempted by offers of cheap or free holidays from so-called friends, exploiting their inexperience and lack of awareness of the risks.
As part of a stepped-up awareness campaign across UK airports, Border Force officers are directly warning travellers about the warning signs of criminal exploitation ahead of the busy summer holiday season.
Border Force’s top 5 tips:
Refuse “free” holidays, flights or luxury accommodation, particularly to countries where cannabis is legal, such as Thailand, Canada, and parts of the United States. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Know what’s in your bag. Never travel with a bag that is not yours, and if someone tells you not to look inside your luggage, treat it as a major warning sign. If drugs are found in your bag, even if you didn’t put them there, you could face arrest, prosecution, and a criminal record.
Beware of social media approaches. Criminal gangs use platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram to target young people. Resist their approaches as it risks a lifetime of painful consequences. Delete and block.
Keep hold of your passport and personal documents at all times. Criminal gangs may ask to take it from you, claiming it is part of a travel arrangement, but it can be a tactic to control and manipulate people, including checking in suitcases in their name. If someone wants to hold onto your passport for you, treat it as a serious red flag.
Cannabis is not legal. Criminal gangs may try to convince you that because cannabis is legal where you are travelling, it is acceptable or low risk to bring it back to the UK. It is not. International drug smuggling is a serious criminal offence that can result in imprisonment at home and abroad.
Kate Goldstone, Border Force Lead Officer for Safeguarding, said: “Organised criminal gangs are exploiting young people for profit – living it up while leaving their courier victims facing lifetime consequences.
“Our message to young travellers is simple. If an offer feels too good to be true, it probably is.
“A single decision made before a holiday could lead to a criminal record, a prison sentence and years of lost opportunities.”
Border Force is warning that, regardless of how someone became involved, anyone caught smuggling cannabis could face arrest, prosecution, a criminal record, up to 14 years behind bars and restrictions on future travel, potentially damaging future employment, education, and life opportunities.
Border Force’s cannabis seizures are now at a record high, increasing by 50% in the last year. UK law enforcement seized 2.1 tonnes of cannabis from air passengers in 2022, rising to more than 28 tonnes in 2025.
While Thailand has been a particular focus, Border Force is warning that gangs can operate wherever cannabis is legal or more easily available, including countries such as Canada, the United States, and parts of Europe.
The warning comes as a joint UK-Thailand crackdown on cannabis smuggling comes into force, with Brits caught attempting to smuggle cannabis from Thailand facing average fines of around £17,700 or up to 2 years in prison.
Anyone approached about carrying cannabis or other illegal drugs should report it to local authorities, consular services, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Today marks one year since the opening of Scran Café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP), the largest café operated by youth-led social enterprise Scran Academy.
In just 12 months, the café has become a valued and welcoming space for patients, families, NHS staff and visitors, while creating life-changing opportunities for young people across Edinburgh through real-life enterprise experience and Scran Academy’s youth programmes.
This year the café has made over 33,758 meals and 15,305 coffees, welcoming more than 37,540 customers, that’s over 200 NHS staff, patients and family members served each day, who are supporting Scran Academy’s mission to see every young person, regardless of background or barrier, realise their full potential in learning, work and life.
The RHCYP café represents this mission in action. Since opening, it has provided 8 young people with Living Wage employment, alongside work placements and volunteering opportunities, with young people making up the majority of the café team.
For many, it is their first experience of paid employment, giving them the chance to develop workplace skills, confidence and independence in a busy healthcare environment.
This impact has resulted in the café team gaining national recognition, with Scran Café becoming a finalist at the National Youth Work Awards 2026.
Reflecting on their first year, the young team at RHCYP shared: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. We are also thankful to all the people who made this possible, who have been leading and supporting us in this newly opened space.
“We have also built great friendships along the way, and we are so proud of what we have created.”
Founder and Chair of Scran Academy, John Loughton BEM, said: “This year we’ve watched young people graft, grow in confidence and build something pretty special.
“Yet again, they proved what I believe to my core: Back young people and they will amaze you.
“To NHS Lothian, our customers, partners and every person who has championed us this year, thank you for believing in young people with us.”
A Glasgow mum is urging young people to come forward for vaccination against meningococcal group B (MenB), after her son became critically unwell with meningitis in 2023.
The MenB vaccine, which helps to protect against meningitis and sepsis (inflammation throughout the body) caused by meningococcal group B bacteria, is now being offered for young people in clinics across Scotland.
The programme aims to protect young people who are at higher risk of infection, especially those who are preparing to start university or college in the 2026/27 academic year, where close contact and shared living arrangements can increase the risk of meningococcal disease.
Gaynor Simpson, mum to Ross who fell ill with meningitis during his first year at university in 2023, said:“Ross became critically unwell after just feeling a bit under the weather. It quickly escalated into a situation where it was unclear whether or not he would survive.
“To see your healthy, thriving 18-year-old child go from feeling a bit off colour to fighting for his life in ICU within the space of a few hours is a feeling that we, as parents, will never forget.
“We are immensely grateful that despite the severity of the infection, he is still with us. It is a very long road to recovery from meningococcal disease and as we have seen from recent outbreaks in the UK, others are not so lucky.
“It is a cruel and unforgiving disease that takes effect at terrifying speed. Given our experience, I can’t stress enough to young people and to their parents how important it is to take up the full two-dose offer of the MenB vaccine.
“It could save your child’s life.”
The MenB vaccine is being offered to:
young people born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year, regardless of future education plans
undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students
college entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students.
It’s essential to receive two doses of the MenB vaccine, at least 28 days apart, for full protection. Ideally, both doses should be completed before starting college or university.
All health boards in Scotland are offering the vaccination by either appointment or drop-in clinic, or a combination of these. To find out how to get your MenB vaccine in your area, visit www.nhsinform.scot/menb-youngpeople
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at Public Health Scotland, said:“Immunisation is the most effective way of preventing illness from meningococcal disease.
The roll out of the MenB vaccination programme is an opportunity for all eligible young people to receive vital protection from such a serious and life-threatening disease. We encourage all those who are eligible to take up the offer, and to ensure both doses are received for full protection.”
The programme for the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament, taking place on Saturday 27 June, has been announced today.
Their Majesties The King and Queen attended the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament yesterday, formally marking the beginning of the Seventh Session of the Holyrood Parliament.
The day start with The Crown of Scotland being escorted from Edinburgh Castle. Along with the Elizabeth Sword, the Crown of Scotland was processed into the Scottish Parliament through a guard of honour made up of young people from across Scotland.
Following the arrival of The King and Queen, the event in Holyrood’s Debating Chamber began with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble performing a Fanfare composed by Sir James McMillan KT CBE and conducted by John Logan.
The Mace was carried by Robert White, an administrator at the Scottish Parliament. Three Team Scotland athletes who are competing in the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games were also be part of the procession.
Boxer Nicholas Devlin will carry the Elizabeth Sword accompanied by para-athlete Joanna Robertson who will be racing on the athletics track and Beth Riva who is competing in Bowls.
The Officers of Arms was accompanied by young people from Young Scot, the Scottish Youth Parliament, RNIB Scotland (Haggeye), the John Smith Centre Parliamentary Internship Programme, sportscotland’s Young People’s Sport panel and the Young Women’s movement.
The Crown of Scotland will be borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
The event, which was broadcast live, included opening remarks from the Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson MSP. His Majesty The King then make an address to the Chamber and First Minister John Swinney MSP responded to His Majesty’s address.
The event also celebrated the special anniversaries of two of Scotland’s cultural organisations with specially commissioned performances.
The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and members of the NYCOS Edinburgh Regional Choir and NYCOS BSL Youth Choir performed Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum.
National Theatre of Scotland presented As Others See Us written and directed by Martin O’Connor, incorporating a poem to celebrate their 20th anniversary and an excerpt from their acclaimed production Through the Shortbread Tin and performed by members of The Lyceum Youth Theatre.
Scotland’s Makar Pàdraig MacAoidh [Peter Mackay] also delivered a poem in Gaelic called Let This Hall be Full of Noises.
Ae Fond Kiss, by Robert Burns was be performed by Rachel Groves (clarsach) and Ellie Beaton (vocalist), who are the current and previous winners of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.
The Parliament’s piper Stuart McMillan MSP then played Bonnie Dundee and A Hundred Pipers from the Members’ Garden to close the event.
Their Majesties then went on to meet Local Heroes, who have been nominated by MSPs for their extraordinary contribution to their local communities.
The King and Queen departed the Scottish Parliament through a Guard of Honour made up of young people.
Hope Keating, 5, from Girlguiding Scotland presented a posy to The Queen.
Portrait photography
Props, clothing & fashion
Shadows & reflections
Creative writing
Identity, belonging & representation
A big group portrait
And loads of space to take things in your own direction
We’re looking for Academy support volunteers! 
